Backers of cut-price chain B&M make £1bn profit on their investment

Private equity firm cashes in on bumper Christmas as shoppers seeking out cheaper deals help retailer eat into market share of big four supermarkets

The private equity backers of discount retailer B&M have banked £1bn from their investment in the discount chain which sells cut price curtains, biscuits and pet food.

Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) has sold its holding in the retailer in a series of tranches and on Friday sold its remaining 5% stake for £200m as it cashed in on strong Christmas trading in its stores. In total the investor will have made £1.5bn out of the chain’s 2014 stock exchange listing.